Makaha villagers empowered on consumer rights

Ivan Zhakata in MAKAHA, Mudzi

Villagers in Makaha, Mudzi, have been empowered with vital knowledge on consumer protection following a joint consumer rights outreach programme held in the area.

The event, hosted by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) and Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ), sought to educate villagers about their rights and responsibilities as consumers.

Addressing villagers during the outreach, POTRAZ deputy director for economics, tariffs and competition, Dr Vengesai Magadzire, said consumer education in rural areas was critical in ensuring communities are not exploited when accessing services.

“We are here to ensure that consumers are well-informed about their rights, especially in relation to postal and telecommunications services,” said Dr Magadzire.

“Our focus is to help the community understand how to protect themselves and make informed decisions about the services they use.”

The outreach also tackled issues related to digital financial services, with authorities stressing the need for rural communities to be included in the country’s growing digital economy.

“We want to make sure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing digital financial services,” said Dr Magadzire.

Participants were also guided on how to file complaints if they encounter problems with service providers.

CCZ public relations manager, Mr Christopher Kamba, said empowering consumers with information was key to protecting their rights.

“Many people are still unaware of their rights under the Consumer Protection Act. Today’s event is a critical step in bridging that gap,” he said.

The outreach further highlighted opportunities for marginalised groups such as women, youths and people living with disabilities to participate in public procurement processes.

RBZ deputy director National Payment Systems Department, Dr Josephat Mutepfa said: “We are there to ensure financial and price stability.”

CPC representative, Mr Kudakwashe Mudereri, said consumers have the right to fair value, good quality and safety of goods and services.

“Suppliers are prohibited from selling or marketing any goods or services to consumers unless these conform to the mandatory safety and quality standards, such as the duty to provide goods or services that are safe and free from any defects and hazards.”

PRAZ director of ICT, Mr Freddy Ndhlovu, said affirmative procurement policies were meant to integrate these groups into Government tender systems.

“We are working to ensure that marginalised groups have access to Government tenders,” he said.

Ward 14 councillor Charles Manyonga applauded the initiative, saying it had come at the right time for rural communities that often lack access to important consumer information.

“We are grateful to the organisations that came to Makaha to educate our people about their rights,” said Cllr Manyonga.

“Many villagers were not aware of the channels they can use to report challenges with service providers.”

“This programme has empowered our community with knowledge that will help them avoid being exploited and make informed decisions when using various services.”

Villagers welcomed the initiative and said it has provided them with valuable knowledge on how to safeguard their rights when accessing services.

“I now understand my rights better and know where to go if I have a problem with service,” said Mrs Patience Chikara, a community member.

Another villager, Mr Tawanda Nyamande, said the outreach had opened their eyes to the importance of knowing consumer rights.

“Before this meeting, many of us did not know where to report service providers who fail to deliver what they promise. Now we know the channels available to us,” he said.

Ms Rutendo Mupfumi said the information shared would help villagers avoid being cheated when using digital and telecommunications services.

“Most of us in rural areas are now using mobile money and other digital services. It is important for us to know our rights and how to protect ourselves,” she said.